By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri

Heartland Football Club of Owerri has announced a major strategic partnership with Dutch consultant and FIFA-licensed agent, Tom Sanders, in a move aimed at rebuilding the club’s technical capacity, commercial value, and long-term competitiveness.

The partnership was unveiled during a media briefing with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, where the club’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, described the development as a turning point in Heartland’s quest for revival.

Amuneke, a former African Footballer of the Year, said the collaboration aligns perfectly with his long-term vision of restoring Heartland FC to its rightful place among Africa’s elite football institutions.

“Tom Sanders has a wealth of experience, and I consider it very important for a club like Heartland to grow,” Amuneke said. “This is a team that played in the 2009 CAF Champions League. It should be competing with clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek. Even though we’ve faced internal challenges, many of them are being gradually resolved.”

He emphasized that the immediate objective is to elevate the club to the next level, especially with the abundance of young players currently in the squad.

Dutch consultant Tom Sanders, who arrived in Owerri this week, said he was impressed with the quality of Heartland’s players after observing his first training session.

“My first impression was that there are a lot of talented players here,” Sanders said. “Everyone knows Heartland should be on the top level in Nigeria. With patience and the right guidance, these young players can grow into top professionals.”

Sanders expressed confidence in Amuneke’s football philosophy and believes it provides the foundation for long-term success.

“Emmanuel works with them every day. I see a lot of quality and many young players—that’s how rebuilding starts. I really believe this can work,” he stated.

The consultant added that the partnership aims to foster technical development, youth talent refinement, and potential cooperation with clubs in Europe and the United States.

Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Ifeanyi Dike, hailed the partnership as a progressive step comparable to famous historical collaborations between African and European clubs.

Dike referenced successful alliances such as Ajax Cape Town–Ajax Amsterdam and ASEC Mimosas–Arsenal, noting that Heartland now has an opportunity to follow a similar developmental path.

“We are beginning to do the right thing. This is a step in the right direction,” he said. “For Tom to commit to cooperation between Heartland and clubs in Europe and even the United States shows we are here for serious business.”

Dike expressed confidence that the collaboration will enhance player exposure, technical advancement, and organisational restructuring—key elements needed to restore Heartland’s legacy and return the club to the continental stage.

With the new partnership, Heartland FC signals a renewed ambition to reclaim its status as one of Nigeria’s most storied clubs, combining local talent development with international expertise.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, strategic partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Norbert Okolie, Director of Media and Communications at Rangers International Football Club of Enugu.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, Andrew Ekejiuba, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, said the organisation received the news of Okolie’s passing with “deep shock,” describing him as a dedicated professional whose contributions significantly enhanced media coverage of Nigeria’s elite league.

“GTI Group received with shock the passing of one of the outstanding Media Directors of NPFL clubs, Norbert Okolie, who, according to the management of Enugu Rangers, died over the weekend after a brief illness,” the statement read.

Ekejiuba noted that Okolie’s death had created a “huge vacuum” in the football community, praising his commitment to elevating the quality of media content produced for both Rangers International and the NPFL.

“Okolie, who was once the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), carried out his duties with dedication, professionalism, and great passion. He will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues, and the entire Rangers and NPFL families,” he added.

GTI extended condolences to Okolie’s immediate family, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu Rangers, and the NPFL Media Directors Association. Ekejiuba also called on football fans across the country to keep the bereaved family in their prayers during this difficult period.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has refuted widespread reports alleging that a player, Abraham Nana of Barau FC, had his throat slit during the Matchday 12 fixture against Katsina United at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

In a statement released on Saturday, the NPFL described the report as “utterly false,” clarifying that the Barau FC player was struck by an object thrown from the stands but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.

“The player was hurt by an object hauled from the stands and was treated on the pitch, which led to the match being halted for a few minutes,” the NPFL explained.

The League body stated that it operates an active Situation Room connected to all Match Commissioners, ensuring real-time monitoring and coordination to guarantee hitch-free matches. “The NPFL Office maintains an active Situation Room with all Match Commissioners, and through this medium, we monitor and direct affairs to ensure smooth operations,” the statement read.

According to the NPFL, it remained in constant communication with the Match Commissioner and officials of both teams throughout the incident to obtain firsthand information on the situation.

Following its review of official reports from the match officials, including the referee and Match Commissioner, the NPFL confirmed that Katsina United had been sanctioned for established breaches of league regulations.

While the nature of the sanctions was not specified, the NPFL reiterated its commitment to enforcing discipline and maintaining a secure environment for all matches.

“The NPFL will continue to uphold the rules to ensure fair competition and an exciting League under a safe atmosphere. The public is once again reassured of safety at our matches through control measures put in place,” the statement concluded.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H